Photo by Doug Pensinger/Allsport/Getty Images
Rest in peace, Eric.
Eric Montross was a towering figure whose physical stature was far surpassed by his enormous heart. On Monday the University of North Carolina sadly announced that Montross passed away at the age of 52, following an almost year-long battle with cancer which was announced publicly in March of 2023.
Montross was a midwestern basketball legend before he ever set foot at Chapel Hill. A McDonald’s All-American, Montross was a true 7-footer during his senior year of high school at Lawrence North in Indianapolis. Averaging over 20 points per game, and setting a school record in rebounds (which stands to this day), there was plenty of attention when it came time for recruiting.
The assumption was that Montross would follow in his family’s footsteps. Both his father and grandfather played for Michigan, and the Wolverines were one of the top teams when it came time to commit. Instead, Montross decided to walk his own path — joining the Tar Heels where he would become a legend.
Head coach Dean Smith made Montross pay his dues, despite all the hype surrounding the freshman. Montross didn’t see a lot of playing time immediately, but being molded in Smith’s crucible turned him into a juggernaut. By Montross’ junior year he was ready to take over leadership of the Tar Heels with current UNC coach Hubert Davis heading to the NBA.
Montross shined when he became the focal point, averaging over 15 points and 7.5 rebounds in 1992-93 en route to the Tar Heels’ national championship win in 1993. Had Montross left for the NBA after the win he would have been assured a top-5 pick, but he instead elected to return to North Carolina to give Smith’s team stability as two more future legends joined the Heels as freshmen in Jerry Stackhouse and Rasheed Wallace.
While at Chapel Hill Montross earned the nickname “BIG Grits,” an affection poke at him both being a white big man — while also becoming an adopted southerner during his UNC tenure.
Montross entered the 1994 NBA Draft where he was selected by the Celtics with the 9th overall pick. While his NBA career never captured the highs of his time at North Carolina, Montross still managed to have a nine-year career in the pros, where he predominantly served as an unselfish rotational big man.
Life as a player for Montross ended here, but his impact off the court was even more monumental. BIG Grits returned to Chapel Hill to become a color commentator for the Tar Heel Sports Network, and in 2013 he co-foundered “Vaccine Ambassadors,” an organization in partnership with the Pan-American Health Organization which distributed vaccines and aid to children of developing countries.
Montross’ life extended beyond the court and enriched the lives of everyone who came in contact with him. He is survived by his wife Laura, and three children.
